Cabe, is it really the case that Indy cars do not take advantage of CAD software? I find this interesting, since many years ago (over 20), when purchasing a large computer system for the engineering department of an aerospace plant we ran into CAD and CAE use by Formula 1. This was the example that many of the computer vendors were using then. I guess that Indy cars are a bit less sophiscated (and much less expensive) than Formula 1 cars, but I would have thought there was much more CAD and CAE going on.

I am sure they use CAD to design parts. But Autodesk is a complete package for CAD and simulation. I never would have recommended all-in-one packages in the past, but this setup does look useful. The only down side to Autodesk's suite is their 3D drawing package. From my experience, they have a long way to go to catch up to Solidwork's ease.

CAD software is deflintely not new to IndyCar. Andretti Autosport (IndyCar team owned by Michael Andretti) has been using Siemens PLM CAD software for nearly 10 years. Our use of Siemens PLM solutions actually goes back nearly 20 years to the earliest evolution of our team which began in the mid-90's via Team Green/Andretti Green Racing/Andretti Autosport and the early evolution of Siemens PLM Software via SDRC/EDS/UGS/Siemens PLM. Proud to say our use of Siemens PLM NX and Teamcenter solutions has helped us win 4 IndyCar Series Championships (2004, 2005, 2007 and 2012), along with 2 Indy 500 wins (2005 and 2007).

Cabe--I had no idea Autodesk had CFD as one element. I had better go back and take another look at this package. My experience with AutoCAD is very basic and reduces to mere drafting. I think your last statement says it all when you mention companies designing equipment and machinery for sporting events had better consider the "physics" and engineering aspects of design when producing a product AND CAD can be the basic tool for that endeavor.

However the Indy car scene developed cars or tested in the past probably required quite a bit of hands on work. With switching to simulations, I worry that there will be too much reliance on the software over time. People will pass the buck, so to speak, on responsibility after that.

I have seen that be the case even with electrical circuit simulation. They blamed the simulator for an error in design.

However the Indy car scene developed cars or tested in the past probably required quite a bit of hands on work. With switching to simulations, I worry that there will be too much reliance on the software over time. People will pass the buck, so to speak, on responsibility after that.

I have seen that be the case even with electrical circuit simulation. They blamed the simulator for an error in design.

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are getting ready to explode onto the market and it appears all the heavy tech companies are trying to out-develop one another with better features than their competition. Fledgling start-up Vrvana has joined the fray.

A Tokyo company, Miraisens Inc., has unveiled a device that allows users to move virtual 3D objects around and "feel" them via a vibration sensor. The device has many applications within the gaming, medical, and 3D-printing industries.

While every company might have their own solution for PLM, Aras Innovator 10 intends to make PLM easier for all company sizes through its customization. The program is also not resource intensive, which allows it to be appropriated for any use. Some have even linked it to the Raspberry Pi.

solidThinking updated its Inspire program with a multitude of features to expedite the conception and prototype process. The latest version lets users blend design with engineering and manufacturing constraints to produce the cheapest, most efficient design before production.

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